Respect This

It’s been fifty years since Aretha Franklin introduced her version of Respect. This hit song has been part of advertisements, commercials and movies. One of my favorite synonyms for respect is reverence. This is one of these terms which been forgotten, rarely practiced anymore.

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor, Romans 12:10.

Unfortunately, the popularity of social media has gradually flushed respect down the toilet. Every day Twitter wars disregard decency to bully, defame and lash out at those with whom you disagree. While the Bible encourages individuals to outdo others in a positive manner, this message is either ignored or simply scoffed at.

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you,” Exodus 20:12.

The reason why respect is vanishing can be found in one of the ten commandments. When individuals begin to dishonor fathers and mothers, this decision opens the door to every area of life. No one is immune resulting in a culture that trashes everyone or everything in sight. Atheists helped kick God out of American public schools in the 1960’s. Fifty years later respect is one of the casualties of this war on religion. If you want to keep respect alive, start honoring fathers and mothers and maybe, just maybe respect will survive.